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Vicar's autism work is an 'inspiration'

A WEST Wales vicar has won a life-time achievement award for raising awareness of autism.

Rev Dr John Gillibrand, vicar of Llangeler, near Llandysul, was the first winner of the Autism Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award at Holly’s Ball, an annual event raising money for autism charities.

He was praised for his dedication since his son Adam, now a teenager, was diagnosed as autistic.

Over the past two decades John and his wife Gill have been staunch supporters and advocates for people with autism and their families. John has taken the cause of autism to both the Welsh Government and to Westminster and also to the church, where he received support.

Announcing the award, Jo Salmon, Holly’s Ball founder, said: “As a parent of a child with autism, John is an inspiration. He’s worked so hard to raise autism awareness in Wales and on a political level. “He’s paved the way for other parents to follow.

We are so honoured to be awarding John with the very first Autism Heroes Lifetime Achievement. “It’s so well deserved for his dedication and commitment to the cause of autism while facing the struggles that many of us face as parents or carers.”

Rev Gillibrand said: “It is an honour to be recognised by so many people here in Wales. There have been positive steps over the last two decades but far too many people with autism are still waiting for essential support."

Click here for the full story, or see this week's South edition of the Cambrian News